Neptune head boys basketball coach Joe Fagan noticed the difference in Jared Kimbrough heading into the 6-foot-6 forward's junior season. Soon thereafter, a number of Division I programs saw the same thing.

Saturday, Kimbrough - a member of the Class of 2018 at Neptune - ended the pursuit for his services when he verbally committed to LaSalle University through a message on Twitter.

Junior Jared Kimbrough had 13 points and 18 rebounds vs. Bloomfield on Monday. (Photo by Larry Murphy)
Junior Jared Kimbrough had 13 points and 18 rebounds vs. Bloomfield on Monday. (Photo by Larry Murphy)
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LaSalle was the first team to offer a scholarship to Kimbrough, who chose the Explorers over his other two finalists - Monmouth University and George Mason University.

Kimbrough entered high school with high expectations as a freshman and after two developmental seasons at the varsity level, the incoming senior enjoyed a full-fledged breakout as a junior in 2016-17. He averaged 14.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and three blocks while earning Shore Sports Network All-Shore Second Team honors as a junior. His rebounding and blocked shot averages each ranked second in the Shore Conference.

Kimbrough is the second Shore Conference player from the Class of 2018 to commit to a Division I program. Jersey Force AAU teammate and Mater Dei Prep point guard Kenny Jones committed to Loyola University at the beginning of August.

With Kimbrough leading a collection of experienced returnees, Neptune will enter this upcoming basketball season as one of the Shore's top rosters and one of the favorites in the Shore Conference Class A North. Christian Brothers Academy and Colts Neck are slated to return most of their rotations as well.

 

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